Dear Friends,

Remember the “good old days” when we used a real camera to take pictures, and for some of the true photographers they would have different lenses they would use for certain pictures? They would choose the right lens to get exactly what they wanted. Whether we realize it or not, we still use lenses as we look at our life and the world around us. What lens have you been using lately? Maybe the lens of optimism, or pessimism; possibly an analytical lens, or critical, or judgmental lens; or correcting or even suspicious lens. Have you ever thought of which lens Jesus most often looked at life and His surrounding world? I would have us consider the lens of compassion.

Here are some examples…

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd, Matthew 9:36.

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick, Matthew 14:14.

A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow’s only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her.  When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said. Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” he said, “I tell you, get up.”  Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother, Luke 7:12-15.



I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat, Mark 8:2.

The story we will look at this Sunday, will be through the lens of compassion. One final question...Which lens do you believe would result in the greatest blessings given or received? That should be the lens we choose.

Enjoy your lens today and I look forward to seeing you Sunday.